Frequently Asked Questions
What is ear wax?
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced in the ear canal. Its main functions are to protect the ear by trapping debris, lubricate the ear canal, and provide some antimicrobial properties. It typically has a yellow to brown colour and a waxy texture. It can become impacted, causing symptoms like hearing loss and ear discomfort, which may require removal by a healthcare professional.
How do I know if I've got a normal amount of earwax?
The amount of earwax produced varies from person to person and is influenced by factors like genetics and age. Generally, a normal amount of earwax helps keep the ear healthy by trapping debris and preventing infections. However, if you experience symptoms like ear fullness, pain, hearing loss, or tinnitus (ringing in the ears), it could indicate an excessive buildup of earwax. If you have concerns about your earwax, it's best to consult a healthcare professional, such as an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat specialist, who can assess your ears and recommend appropriate measures if needed.
Why do my ears always have wax in them?
The production of earwax, or cerumen, is a natural and ongoing process in the ear canal. Some individuals naturally produce more earwax than others, and factors like genetics, age, and personal hygiene habits can influence the amount of earwax present. For some people, it may seem like their ears always have wax because their ears produce it continuously.
Having a consistent amount of earwax is generally normal and helps protect the ear by trapping debris and preventing infections. However, if you believe you have excessive earwax or are experiencing symptoms related to earwax buildup, such as hearing loss, ear fullness, or discomfort, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional, such as an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat specialist. They can assess your ears and recommend appropriate measures for managing your earwax.
Is there a healthy way to remove ear wax?
Yes, there are safe and effective methods for removing excess earwax. Here are a few options:
Ear Drops: Over-the-counter ear drops can be used to soften and break up earwax, making it easier to remove. Follow the instructions on the product label or consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Irrigation: A healthcare provider can perform ear irrigation, which involves using a gentle stream of warm water to flush out the earwax. This is typically done in a medical setting.
Curette: A healthcare professional may use a curette, a specialized tool, to carefully scrape and remove earwax from the ear canal.
Microsuction: This procedure involves using a small vacuum-like device to safely and gently remove earwax from the ear canal.
Manual Removal: In some cases, a healthcare professional may use special instruments to manually remove earwax.
Audisol Ear Wax Remover: Safe and effective, Audisol Ear Wax Remover is a great option to remove earwax.
It's important to note that using objects like cotton swabs or other items to remove earwax is not recommended, as it can push the wax deeper into the ear canal and potentially cause injury or impaction. If you have concerns about earwax or experience symptoms like hearing loss or discomfort, it's best to consult a healthcare professional for safe and appropriate earwax removal.
How do you unblock a full ear of wax?
Unblocking a full ear of wax can be done at home using various methods, but it's essential to be gentle and cautious to avoid pushing the wax further into the ear or causing injury. If you're unsure about how to proceed, or if you experience pain, discomfort, or any complications during the process, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional, such as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. We recommend using Audisol Ear Wax Remover.
How should I get rid of my ear wax?
Earwax can be dissolved relatively quickly using a few different methods. However, it's important to note that the speed of wax removal may vary from person to person, and it's crucial to be gentle to avoid causing injury to the ear. Here are some methods that can help dissolve ear wax relatively fast:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Olive Oil or Mineral Oil
- Over-the-Counter Ear drops
- Warm water rinse
What happens if earwax is not removed?
If earwax becomes impacted or excessive, it can lead to various symptoms and potential complications if left untreated:
- Hearing Problems: A buildup of earwax can block the ear canal, leading to decreased hearing or a sensation of fullness in the ear.
- Earache: Impacted earwax can cause earaches or discomfort.
- Tinnitus: Some people may experience ringing or buzzing sounds in the ear (tinnitus) due to earwax blockage.
- Dizziness or Vertigo: In rare cases, particularly when earwax pushes against the eardrum, it can affect your balance and cause dizziness or vertigo.
- Infections: Earwax can trap moisture, providing an environment where bacteria can grow. This may increase the risk of ear infections.
- Changes in Earwax Consistency: The composition of earwax varies from person to person. In some individuals, it can become dry and hard, making it more likely to become impacted.
- Hearing Aid Issues: For those who use hearing aids or in-ear devices, earwax buildup can interfere with their effectiveness.
That’s why it’s important to consistently clean your ears using Audisol Ear Wax Remover to prevent ear wax build up.
How do you know if your ears are clogged with wax?
You may suspect that your ears are clogged with wax if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Hearing Loss: Reduced hearing or a sensation of muffled or blocked sound in one or both ears is a common indicator of earwax buildup.
- Earache: You may experience discomfort or pain in the affected ear when earwax becomes impacted.
- Tinnitus: Some people with earwax blockage report ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ear (tinnitus).
- Feeling of Fullness: A sense of fullness or pressure in the ear may occur when earwax obstructs the ear canal.
- Dizziness or Balance Issues: In rare cases, particularly when earwax presses against the eardrum, it can affect your balance and lead to dizziness or vertigo.
- Itching or Discharge: Earwax blockage can cause itching in the ear, and sometimes, there may be discharge from the ear.
It's important to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other ear-related issues, such as ear infections or eustachian tube dysfunction. If you suspect that your ears are clogged with wax or you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, it's best to consult a healthcare professional, such as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
What does dark ear wax mean?
The colour of earwax can vary from person to person, and it's influenced by several factors, including genetics, age, and the amount of earwax your body produces. The colour of earwax is not necessarily an indicator of a specific medical condition. However, in general, earwax can be light brown to dark brown in colour.
The darkness of earwax is primarily due to the presence of melanin, the same pigment responsible for the colour of your skin and hair. Dark earwax can be perfectly normal and not cause for concern. It's simply a reflection of your body's natural production of earwax.
While dark earwax is generally not a cause for alarm, there are some cases where changes in earwax colour may indicate a potential issue:
- Blood-Tinged Earwax: If you notice earwax that appears to be red or has streaks of blood, it's essential to seek medical attention, as this could be a sign of injury or an underlying ear problem.
- Black or Dark Brown Earwax: If you have very dark or black earwax and it is accompanied by other symptoms like hearing loss, ear pain, dizziness, or an ear infection, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional. While dark earwax alone is not typically a cause for concern, when combined with other symptoms, it could suggest an underlying issue.
Remember that the colour of earwax alone is not a definitive diagnostic indicator of any specific condition. If you have concerns about your ear health or experience any unusual symptoms related to your ears, it's best to consult a healthcare provider or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. They can determine if any underlying issues need to be addressed.
How do audiologists remove ear wax?
Audiologists are trained professionals who specialize in the assessment and management of hearing and balance disorders, which may include the removal of earwax (cerumen). Audiologists typically use safe and effective methods for earwax removal. The specific technique employed can vary depending on the patient's condition and the audiologist's preference, but some common methods include:
- Ear Irrigation: Ear irrigation, also known as ear syringing, involves flushing warm water into the ear canal to dislodge and remove earwax. Audiologists use a specialized syringe or irrigation device for this purpose. The water is typically warmed to body temperature to prevent dizziness or discomfort. Ear irrigation is generally suitable for patients with relatively mild earwax blockages.
- Manual Removal: In cases where earwax is impacted or stubborn, audiologists may use specialized instruments, such as a curette or earwax hook, to carefully and gently remove the wax manually. This procedure is performed under direct visualization using an otoscope to ensure the safety of the ear canal and eardrum.
- Microsuction: Microsuction is a method that involves using a small, suction-like device to remove earwax from the ear canal. It is performed with the aid of a microscope or magnifying lenses to provide a clear view of the ear canal, ensuring precise and safe removal.
- Earwax Softening: Prior to removal, audiologists may use ear wax softening agents, such as Audisol Ear Wax Remover, Audisol Ear Cleansing Spray and Audisol Naturale to help loosen and soften the wax. Softening the wax makes it easier to remove using the above techniques.
It's important to emphasize that earwax removal should be performed by trained professionals, such as audiologists or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists. Attempting to remove earwax at home using objects like cotton swabs or hairpins is discouraged, as it can push the wax deeper into the ear canal, potentially causing injury or damage to the eardrum.
But if you want to try it at home, You can try the Audisol range which is designed specifically to soften wax, allowing it to be flushed out..
How often should you clean your ears?
Cleaning your ears is generally not necessary on a regular basis because the ears have a self-cleaning mechanism. The ear canal produces earwax (cerumen), which plays a crucial role in protecting the ear by trapping dust, debris, and preventing infections. Normally, the earwax migrates from the ear canal to the opening of the ear, where it dries up and falls out naturally.
But to prevent ear wax build up, it is encouraged to clean your ears once a week.
Is it OK to sleep with earplugs at night?
Certainly, it is safe to use Audiplugs earplugs every night for your sleep. Our earplugs, designed for prolonged comfort, are customizable to ensure a restful night's sleep.
Do earplugs really block noise?
Absolutely,Audiplugs earplugs are designed to efficiently eliminate unwanted noise, allowing you to savour the sweet sound of silence.
Is it healthy to wear earplugs all day?
Audiplugs earplugs are suitable for extended daily use, providing comfort without any harm to your ears. Nevertheless, it's advisable to provide your ears with intermittent breaks to ensure proper ventilation.
Are silicone ear plugs better than foam?
Silicone earplugs are mouldable, allowing you to create a water and air-tight seal. This is particularly useful for swimming, surfing and water sports, when you would like to eliminate more noise or are finding that other ear plugs don’t fit comfortably. Audiplugs provides a diverse selection of materials tailored to your specific requirements. The choice ultimately hinges on your comfort and preferences for use and noise reduction.
Why do my ears feel clogged after wearing earplugs?
This sensation can be a result of a snug fit. The Audiplugs soft foam range are designed to expand and grip the inner ear canal, forming a tight, sound-dampening seal.
Can you still get hearing damage with earplugs?
Using the correct ear plug appropriately will reduce the chance of you experiencing hearing damage. We cannot guarantee that you won’t experience hearing damage as it depends on the sound, your ear and use of the plugs.
How long is too long to wear earplugs?
Utilising Audiplugs ear plugs for prolonged durations such as sleeping, a work shift or concerts is safe. Remember to pause for brief intervals to allow for proper ear ventilation when necessary.
Can earplugs push in earwax?
Regular use for prolonged periods may cause the build-up of wax deposits. If this occurs, try our Audisol range which is designed to soften wax-build up, allowing it to wash out. If the problem persists, see a healthcare professional for advice.
Are ear plugs better than earmuffs?
Audiplugs ear plugs are a favoured choice due to their discretion, comfort and convenience. Nevertheless, earmuffs can prove effective in specific situations.
How often should you change foam ear plugs?
Foam earplugs should be substituted when they lose their form or become soiled. Audiplugs' reusable alternatives provide long-lasting durability.
How deep should you put ear plugs?
Gently insert Audiplugs ear plugs until they create a secure seal. For optimal fit, adhere to our provided instructions.
How many times can you reuse foam earplugs?
Foam ear plugs are typically intended for one-time use. Explore Audiplugs' reusable alternatives for a budget-friendly and environmentally-conscious choice.
Can you clean and reuse foam earplugs?
Foam earplugs are not designed for cleaning or reuse. Audiplugs offers reusable earplug options for your convenience.
How much noise do foam earplugs cancel?
Foam earplugs are not intended for cleaning or repeated use. Audiplugs provides reusable earplug alternatives for your convenience.
What is the highest noise reduction for ear plugs?
Audiplugs High Noise Industrial Strength ear plugs have a SNR rating of 37dB.
What are the best earplugs to block out snoring Australia?
Audiplugs Soft Foam Comfort & Sleep and Audiplugs Large Foam Comfort & Sleep are ideal for noise reduction, providing restful sleep and comfort.
What level of ear protection should I get for concerts?
For concerts, it's recommended to use ear protection with an SNR (Single Number Rating) of at least 15-20 dB. Consider higher SNR options for frequent concertgoers or musicians to protect your hearing while enjoying the music.
Why would I need earplugs for a sporting event?
Sporting events, especially those with loud crowds and amplified music, can expose you to potentially harmful noise levels. Earplugs help protect your hearing and reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing damage.
What type of earplugs are suitable for sporting events?
Audiplugs Sports Safe Zone is a great choice for sporting events. They reduce volume without distorting sound quality, ensuring you can enjoy the event while safeguarding your hearing.
How do high-fidelity earplugs work?
High-fidelity or musician's earplugs work by maintaining the same sounds that your ears would normally hear but at a slightly lower level.
Are foam earplugs suitable for sporting events?
Audiplugs Sports Safe Zone is a great choice for sporting events. They reduce volume without distorting sound quality, ensuring you can enjoy the event while safeguarding your hearing.
Can I still hear people talking with earplugs in?
All earplugs should come with a SNR (single number rating) that describes the degree of sound reduction. Look for ear plugs with a SNR rating of less than 25dB to be able to hear people talk.
Audiplugs Sports Safe Zone is designed specifically for preserved speech recognition.
Can I wear earplugs under headphones or earmuffs for extra protection?
Certainly, you can wear earplugs under headphones or earmuffs to enhance noise reduction, particularly when seeking maximum protection in exceptionally loud environments.
What is “trapped water in the ear”?
Trapped water happens when water gets stuck in your ear canal. It's common, especially if you spend a lot of time in water. It can make your ear feel blocked, sounds less clear, and might cause ear pain, ringing in your ears, and balance problems. If you don't take care of it, you could get ear infections like Swimmer's Ear or Surfer's Ear, which might lead to hearing problems.
Why is trapped water dangerous?
Trapped water isn't life-threatening, but it can cause ear infections, severe pain, and require a doctor's visit with antibiotics. If not dealt with, it might harm your hearing and your ear. In the worst case, it could lead to a serious infection called Swimmer's Ear, causing deep tissue problems, bone and cartilage damage, or severe ear issues. So, it's essential to prevent trapped water.
How do I get the water out of my ears?
If water gets stuck in your ears, you can attempt these home remedies:
- Gently jiggle your earlobe.
- Tilt your head to let gravity help.
- Create a vacuum by gently pulling on your ear.
- Try Audisol Dry Ears, designed specifically for the removal of water trapped in ear canals
But for avoiding trapped water altogether, consider using Ear Pro.
What happens if I have water in my ears for too long?
Leaving water in your ears for an extended time can increase the risk of outer ear infections, long-term hearing problems, and potential ear damage.
How do I not get trapped water in my ears?
To avoid water entering your ears, consider these tips:
- Make sure to remove water after swimming (with Audisol Dry Ears)
- Wear earplugs while swimming (Audiplugs Soft Silicone Plugs).
Additionally, think about using ear drops like Ear Pro to prevent trapped water entirely.
What is a swimmer's ear?
Swimmer's Ear, medically called Otitis Externa, is an infection occurring in the outer ear canal. The primary cause of this infection is water that becomes trapped in your ear, often after swimming or diving, which creates a favorable environment for bacteria to grow. Additionally, it can result from the use of cotton swabs or other objects in your ear that harm the skin inside the ear canal.
How common is swimmer’s ear?
Around 10% of people are suffering from Swimmer’s Ear at some point in their lives.
What Are The Symptoms Of Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer's Ear can manifest in various degrees of severity:
- Mild symptoms may encompass mild itching, slight redness in the ear, minor discomfort, and a small amount of fluid drainage.
- Moderate symptoms can involve worsening itching, increased redness and fluid discharge, pain, swelling of the ear canal, and reduced hearing.
- Advanced symptoms may include severe pain, complete blockage of the ear canal, swelling of the outer ear, and the presence of a fever.
We strongly advise seeking advice from a doctor upon noticing even mild signs of Swimmer's Ear. In cases of severe pain or fever, immediate medical attention from a doctor or a visit to the emergency room is recommended.
I Think I Have Swimmer’s Ear – Should I See A Doctor?
Indeed, it is advisable to consult a doctor for guidance upon detecting even mild symptoms of Swimmer's Ear. In cases of severe pain or fever, prompt medical attention from a doctor or a visit to the emergency room is highly recommended.
How Do I Prevent Swimmer’s Ear?
To prevent Swimmer's Ear, consider these precautions:
- Thoroughly dry your ears after swimming, bathing, diving, or participating in water activities.
- Use Ear Pro before swimming.
- Steer clear of swimming in water with elevated bacterial levels.
- Refrain from inserting cotton swabs or any objects into your ears.
Additionally, if you've had an ear infection or surgery recently, it's advisable to consult your doctor before entering the water.
How Do I Treat a Swimmer's Ear?
Typically, Swimmer's Ear is managed using prescription antibiotics, antifungal ear drops, or various ear drops and treatments. Some of these may contain active medicinal components and/or preservatives that could trigger allergies or sensitivities in certain individuals.
We strongly advise reaching out to a doctor upon the onset of even mild Swimmer's Ear symptoms. For cases involving severe pain or fever, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention from a doctor or go to the emergency room.
What Is a Surfer's Ear?
Surfer's Ear involves an unusual bone growth known as exostosis that forms within the ear canal. This growth results from irritation due to repeated exposure to cold winds and water, leading to the development of bony lumps around the ear canal, potentially narrowing it.
While many dedicated surfers exhibit mild bone growth that often poses minimal issues, it's crucial to be proactive because Surfer's Ear is a progressive condition.
Surfer's Ear is not exclusive to surfing and can occur in any activity carried out in cold, wet, and windy conditions, including windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, jet skiing, kitesurfing, and diving. Left untreated, it can impair your hearing and, in severe cases, lead to complete deafness.
We strongly recommend consulting a doctor upon detecting even mild Surfer's Ear symptoms. If you experience severe pain or fever, seeking immediate medical attention from a doctor or visiting the emergency room is essential.
How Common Is Surfer’s Ear?
A 2018 research study conducted on professional surfers revealed that all of them exhibited Surfer's Ear (Auditory Exostosis) to different extents. In the case of half of the participants in the study, approximately two-thirds of their ear canal had become obstructed.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Surfer's Ear?
The initial and frequently observed indicators of Surfer's Ear encompass sensations of water blockage in the ears, diminished hearing clarity, and discomfort. This condition arises from recurring exposure to cold winds and water, provoking the formation of bony lumps around the ear canal, which may lead to its constriction. Consequently, infections can develop, resulting in pain and hearing impairment.
How Do I Prevent a Surfer's Ear?
To prevent Surfer's Ear, consider these precautions:
- Employ ear drops like Ear Pro before and after surfing.
- Utilise earplugs to prevent water from entering your ears.
- Wear wetsuit hoods to shield your ears from the wind.
- After surfing, use Audisol Dry Ears to expel trapped water.